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The Brain, Blood Tests & More, Part 2, Invite Health Blog

The Brain, Blood Tests & More, Part 2, Invite Health Blog

Written by: Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND For further questions or concerns email me at carcidiacono@invitehealth.com† In our last blog we started our conversation regarding brain health talking about different conditions that you should rule out when experiencing memory changes. This week we will be delving into 

Feeling Frazzled? Get Focused! Invite Health Podcast, Episode 650

Feeling Frazzled? Get Focused! Invite Health Podcast, Episode 650

  Subscribe Today! Please see below for a complete transcript of this episode. FEELING FRAZZLED? GET FOCUSED! INVITE HEALTH PODCAST, EPISODE 650 Hosted by Amanda Williams, MD, MPH. *Intro Music* InViteⓇ Health Podcast Intro: [00:00:04] Welcome to the InViteⓇ Health Podcast, where our degreed health care 

Being Supplement Savvy in the Summer, Invite Health Podcast, Episode 649

Being Supplement Savvy in the Summer, Invite Health Podcast, Episode 649


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Please see below for a complete transcript of this episode.

BEING SUPPLEMENT SAVVY IN THE SUMMER, INVITE HEALTH PODCAST, EPISODE 649

Hosted by Amanda Williams, MD, MPH.

InViteⓇ Health Podcast Intro: [00:00:04] Welcome to the InViteⓇ Health Podcast, where our degreed health care professionals are excited to offer you the most important health and wellness information you need to make informed choices about your health. You can learn more about the products discussed in each of these episodes and all that input health has to offer at, www.invitehealth.com/podcast. First time customers can use promo code podcast at checkout for an additional 15% off your first purchase. Let’s get started. † [00:00:34]

Amanda Williams MD, MPH: [00:00:40] With summer being right around the corner, now is the time that you want to be supplement savvy. And today I want to talk about some different nutrients that can really help to kind of push you into the summer heat and in a healthy way. I am Dr. Amanda Williams, scientific director at Invite Health. And when it comes to the summer, people oftentimes really look forward to this time of the year. The weather’s warmer, maybe you have pool parties to go to, going to the beach and you want to do this in a way that you can get the most out of your summer activities. We always have to zero in on paying attention to our hydration. Clearly, in the summer months, the human body is much more prone to having the effects of dehydration. This has been well-studied, and we can clearly see that summer heat can put us at risk. Dehydration, this can drive up our blood pressure, certainly create significant electrolyte imbalances. So, if you get to the point where you feel thirsty, you know that you’ve waited way too long. So, water, water, water, this is our key. We know that insufficient drinking of water is a problem that many Americans have year-round. But in the summer in particular, because oftentimes if you’re not profusely sweating, you don’t recognize that you actually have a good amount of fluid loss. And this can create problems when it comes to your electrolyte balance, which can then create problems for muscle cramps and blood pressure going up and even having problems with controlling and regulating your blood sugar. So, for those who fall into those categories of already dealing with high blood pressure or dealing with type two diabetes or metabolic syndrome, you do really want to pay attention to your fluid intake during the summer months. We have wonderful formulations that you can turn to including the Alkalizer powder, which is a great combo of magnesium, potassium and beta alanine. Beta alanine is a very powerful amino acid that helps our body recover from the effects of stress. And we look at the Journal of Nutrients In 2020, they looked at the impact of beta alanine supplementation on physical performance. We can see how beta alanine has been shown to help with muscle strength and muscle recovery. We know that many things happen when we fall victim to dehydration and excess lactic acid building up. † [00:03:17]

[00:03:18] Beta alanine really can have a positive impact on us. In this particular study, they did a meta-analysis to analyze the effects of beta alanine supplementation on overall physical performance, and we can see how the influence of this powerful nutrient is working to help our physical functionality when it comes to that muscle recovery and muscle repair. So having beta alanine as part of the Alkalizer powder, really makes for a super summer drink that you can turn to. It is a lovely natural lemon flavor, and this has it’s kind of effervescent, so it’s great for the summertime. You can add this in with some ice and have yourself a nice hydrating glass of magnesium, potassium and beta alanine. Helps to create a nice alkalinity within the body, helps. with the regulation of your pH, and of course, it’s helping our body normalize our electrolyte balance. So that’s one thing that we can turn to. † [00:04:23]

[00:04:23] Another thing that we should always pay attention to, is during the warmer summer months, we know that there is a direct association between the impact of folate levels. So, folate is a B vitamin folate levels starting to plummet. And that is something that we definitely don’t want to have happen, because folate is needed for so many different functions in the body, including looking at the ability for the body to detoxify. So, we need folate for detoxification, we need folate for energy. We need folate for our neurotransmitters. And we know that there is, this association between seasonal folate levels and UV radiation. So, the sun itself can actually degrade folate in the human body. And we see this with vitamin D, for example. We know that vitamin D levels can go up during the summer because of the UV, and that’s our sunshine vitamin. But we see the opposite happening with folate. And so, this is why we should always make sure that during the summer months, we add in Methyl B, so Methyl B is that bioactive folate, so it’s methyl folate. Taking this formulation throughout your summer will be incredibly helpful to make sure that your body is protected from photo degradation of your folic acid. We don’t want that to happen. So, we want to avoid those seasonal variations and maintain healthy folate levels. † [00:05:55]

ICYMI:YEAR ROUND IMMUNE SUPPORT, INVITE HEALTH PODCAST, EPISODE 647>>LISTEN NOW!

[00:05:55] Now, we also know something about photo aging, and that is that the sun can really raise havoc when it comes to the health of our skin, and we can accelerate the aging process, have more fine lines and wrinkles. Many times, people describe them as age spots. And we don’t want this to happen either. So how can we topically address this issue? Well, we have our wonderful, enhanced vitamin C toning serum, which contains a 20% vitamin C serum along with Coenzyme Q10, to help energize your little skin cells, Vitamin E for the hydration, and the antioxidant benefits of vitamin E has wonderful natural oils in it, such as Argan Oil. And we know that the skin itself goes through so many different environmental stressors from the sun itself to different air pollutants. So, by having a serum that we can apply, that can help to improve the appearance, not only of the fine lines and wrinkles, but really zero in on those areas of sun damaged skin. This is a wonderful addition to your supplement routine. Now, this is a topical serum, so we’re not taking this orally. But it would be incredibly helpful to also take vitamin C tablets, or capsules along with collagen throughout the summer as well. So always want to zero in on how we can support our skin’s health from the topical approach, but also internally. So having vitamin C and Collagen, taking those as a supplement every day. And then topically applying that vitamin C toning serum, very, very beneficial. So that is some of the things that we can be doing. † [00:07:40] 

[00:07:40] Now, we can also look and say, should I be drinking sports drinks throughout the summer? No, we shouldn’t. When we have powerful fruit and vegetable extracts that are packed with wonderful vitamins, minerals and powerful antioxidants that we can sip on throughout those warm months, so we can look at something like the Reds Hx, for example. Which is a wonderful blend of close to 40 fruit and vegetable extracts along with a probiotic blend in that. Remember, you don’t want to let your immune system guard down during the summer either because viruses exist year-round. So, you don’t want to succumb to a summertime virus, so having the Reds Hx on board not only helps with a lovely glow for your skin and the hydration for your skin. but it also helps to support the immune system with that probiotic that’s added into that formulation. Now, this is a powerhouse of an antioxidant formula. Having those different fruit and vegetable extracts that really help the body. All of those carotenoids that give the eyes additional support, your respiratory system, additional support, your brain additional support. And of course, we are working on that hydration aspect once again, because one scoop of that Reds, added into eight or ten ounces of water allows the body to maintain that nice, healthy fluid balance. Now, there are many other things that we can turn to throughout the summer to allow us to get the most out of those warm months. And this is when you want to speak with one of our nutritionists and tell them what your health concerns are and what you are trying to get out of your summer, and they can guide you to the best formulations to suit your needs. † [00:09:23]

DIY NATURAL SKIN CARE RECIPES>>READ NOW!

[00:09:23] But that’s all that I have for you for today. So, if you’re going to the pool, you’re going to the beach, make sure that you have your alkalizer powder, your Reds Hx, it’s your vitamin C serum and your Methyl B and be sure to tune in to future episodes of the  InViteⓇ Health Podcast. Remember, you can find all of our episodes for free wherever. You listen to podcasts or by visiting, invitehealth.com/podcast. Do make sure that you subscribe, and you leave us a review. You can follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and we will see you next time for another episode of the InViteⓇ Health Podcast. † [00:09:23]

 

DAILY FOCUS & MEMORY SUPPORT JUST GOT EASIER, Invite Health Podcast, Episode 648

DAILY FOCUS & MEMORY SUPPORT JUST GOT EASIER, Invite Health Podcast, Episode 648

Subscribe Today! Please see below for a complete transcript of this episode. DAILY FOCUS & MEMORY SUPPORT JUST GOT EASIER, INVITE HEALTH PODCAST, EPISODE 648 Hosted by Amanda Williams, MD, MPH. *Intro Music* InViteⓇ Health Podcast Intro: [00:00:04] Welcome to the InViteⓇ Health Podcast, where our 

DIY NATURAL SKIN CARE RECIPES

DIY NATURAL SKIN CARE RECIPES

  By: Allie Might, FMC, INHC, ATT How do I take care of my skin? What are the best skin care products? I get asked these questions all the time. In addition to our skin care lines, I wanted to share with you my favorite 

THE BRAIN: BLOOD TESTS & MORE, PART 1

THE BRAIN: BLOOD TESTS & MORE, PART 1

Written by: Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND

For further questions or concerns email me at carcidiacono@invitehealth.com†

 

 

In our last blog we completed our talk about brain anatomy. Today we will be expanding on this topic by delving into what type of blood work/ testing you should talk to your doctor about if you have any concerns regarding your brain health/ memory. Now this topic will be split into 2 parts. When it comes to brain health/memory there are a number of chronic conditions that can cause concerns with both brain health/ memory. There are also distinct illnesses that can affect the brain, for example dementia. To start with in this blog, we will be reviewing the tests that can help rule out the chronic conditions that can affect memory and brain health.

Interestingly simple dehydration can affect memory especially if it is chronic. One question I always ask people is how much water are you drinking a day? A simple equation to know how much water your body needs is to take half your body weight and drink that amount in ounces. For example, if you weigh 160lbs you would drink 80 ounces of water per day.  The next question I always ask people is what prescription medications are you taking? This is important because as we know some medications can affect memory. This is especially a problem for those talking multiple prescriptions since the effect of medications on memory can be cumulative. Unfortunately, with many prescription medications they can have series side effects if they are stopped abruptly. It is always important to talk to your doctor about changing or weaning off of any medications you are having side effects from taking. † (1)

Memory/brain health can also be affected by certain psychological conditions. For example, many of the symptoms associated with depression can mimic signs of dementia. (2) Individuals with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) are often misdiagnosed as having depression since they both present with apathy and emotional withdraw. † (1)

ICYMI: BRAIN HEALTH & MEMORY, PART 2: BRAIN ANATOMY>>READ NOW

Chronic alcoholism also mimics dementia because of a number of different reasons. As we know chronic alcoholism can deplete certain nutrients that cause dementia like symptoms. Chronic alcoholism can also lead to dehydration which as we know can mimic dementia. Chronic alcoholism can also cause damage to the brain and can affect the brain’s ability to form new memories. Proper treatment could help the brain’s ability to from new memories if it administered early enough. † (3)

Certain infections can also affect the brain/ memory. For example, untreated syphilis can affect the brain leading to dementia like symptoms. (4) Lyme disease can also become a chronic illness if it is not treated properly. Chronic Lyme disease can affect the white matter of the brain leading to memory problems. (5) In addition to chronic Lyme more studies every day are finding a link between chronic COVID and memory changes. (6) Additionally, meningitis and encephalitis can lead to memory changes. † (1)

Certain nutritional deficiencies can affect brain health and thus cause memory problems. A deficiency of B1 or thiamine can cause something called Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome.  One of the signs of this syndrome is altered mental status as well as changes in memory. (7)  A long-term deficiency of vitamin B3 or Niacin can also cause pellagra which has dementia as one of its defining symptoms. (As fun fact Pellagra symptoms are called the 3D’s – dermatitis, dementia and diarrhea). (8) Having a B12 deficiency can also cause cognitive changes. If you are anemic for a long time the symptoms can resemble dementia. Additionally, any changes in sodium, calcium and even healthy fats can affect our brain and thus our memory. † (1)

Certain chronic conditions can affect the brain and therefore affect memory. Celiac disease according to studies can affect the brain causing memory problems. (9) As I mentioned in my last series certain chronic autoimmune disorder such as SLE can cause symptoms that mimic dementia. (10) If you read my series on thyroid, you may recall that hypothyroidism can also have symptoms that can mimic dementia. (1) For more information on this please see my blog on hypothyroidism. Another topic that I have covered in prior blogs is blood sugar. Having low blood sugar can cause symptoms that can mimic dementia. However, as you may recall from my series on blood sugar having high blood sugar can also lead to problems with brain health. (1)  For more information on how to talk to your doctor about SLE, hypothyroidism, and blood sugar irregularities please see my prior blogs on these topics. †

ALL ABOUT HYPOTHYROIDISM>>READ NOW

In this blog I have covered the most important conditions that need to be ruled out when it comes to memory/ brain health. Taking to your doctor may reveal other chronic conditions that need to be ruled out. In my next blog I will be focusing on tests that are directly linked to the brain and to memory. I wanted to start with tests that rule out chronic conditions because if you have any underlying condition causing the symptoms it must be addressed first in order for your memory to improve. As I always say if you have foot pain due to a rock in your shoes you need to remove the rock before true healing can occur. The same is true for memory/brain health. In my next blog I will focus on more brain specific tests that you should talk to your doctor about. †

 

REFERENCES

  1. https://memory.ucsf.edu/diagnosis
  2. https://www.healthline.com/health/depression/depression-and-memory-loss#research
  3. https://www.sierrabythesea.com/alcohol/articles/how-drinking-affects-memory/
  4. https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/risk-factors-and-prevention/infections-and-dementia
  5. https://www.webmd.com/arthritis/news/20221115/memory_concentration_issues_after_lyme_disease
  6. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/brain-fog-memory-and-attention-after-covid-19-202203172707
  7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537204/
  8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3547581/#:~:text=A%20diagnosis%20of%20pellagra%20was,diarrhea%2C%20dermatitis%2C%20and%20dementia.
  9. https://www.beyondceliac.org/research-news/brain-images-show-damage/
  10. https://physicians.dukehealth.org/articles/brain-fog-reported-frequently-patients-fibromyalgia-systemic-lupus-erythematous